Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen

In an instant, the everyday life of Nora Nolan changes. She and her husband, Charlie, have raised their kids in a quiet cul-de-sac in bustling New York City. Nora loves her family, her demanding but rewarding job, her neighbors (well, most of them) and the city itself. They go to block barbecues and neighborhood parties, and even share the same handyman, Ricky. It’s been a life of privilege for the Nolans. One day a parking dispute between one of her most belligerent neighbors and Ricky becomes violent, and in the aftermath neighbors take sides regarding the incident. Charlie and Nora find themselves on opposite sides of the issue, eventually leading to a breakdown of the marriage. Anna Quindlen has given us a portrayal of a modern family in crisis, with both heart and hope.